New York, N.Y. – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation’s leading cancer research funding organizations, and Team ESPN are proud to announce the 19th Jimmy V Classic Dinner Auction will take place on October 2, 2013. Tickets are on sale now for the event which will be held at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. Net proceeds from the auction will benefit The V Foundation and represents the charitable portion of the men’s and women’s Jimmy V Basketball Classics to be played on December 17, 2013, at two historic venues: Madison Square Garden and Cameron Indoor Stadium, respectively.

“The Jimmy V Classic Dinner brings together college basketball coaches and V Foundation supporters for an exciting night,” said Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation. “Through an evening filled with camaraderie and celebration, we will support the life-altering work of researchers nationwide to help put an end to the diseases known as cancer.”

Featured guests for the evening include coaches participating in the December Jimmy V Basketball Classics: Cincinnati’s Mick Cronin, Florida’s Billy Donovan, Memphis’ Josh Pastner, Duke’s Joanne P. McCallie and the University of Connecticut’s Geno Auriemma. The evening will include live and silent auctions to raise money for The V Foundation. Digger Phelps will be honored with the Spirit of Jimmy V Award. New York area collegiate coaches are also invited to attend.

Tickets to the Jimmy V Classic New York Dinner Auction are available at a variety of levels, from individual seats to full tables. Sponsorship packages are also available, which include game tickets to the men’s Jimmy V Basketball Classic in December.

For more information about the Jimmy V Basketball Classic Dinner Auction, please contact The V Foundation at 1-800-4JimmyV or visit www.jimmyv.org. To reserve tickets today, please contact Sue Tracey at 919-380-9595 or at stracey@jimmyv.org.

About The V FoundationThe V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $100 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.